Government will make proper assessment on BR1M

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will make a proper assessment in giving out 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) to the people.

"We can't cut off BR1M, but we need to a make proper assessment, whether we should give it to the really poor or others as well" said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He added the government's idea is to create more jobs, instead of giving free money.

"Our strategy is to create more jobs so that people will not feel they are begging for money. What they get is what they earn."

He was speaking to reporters after presenting his keynote address and opening the Cities 4.0 and Business 4.0 conference here today.

Dr Mahathir said any government cares for its people, but they care for the right people and will evaluate if the person is handicapped or uneducated.

He added giving free money just because some people earn RM4,000 below without vetting is wrong.

The government, Dr Mahathir said wants the people to feel honourable working for their money from the result of their contribution and not by asking for free.

Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said yesterday that the government is in the midst of drafting a new economic strategy, to replace BR1M and the new strategy would focus on the prosperity and well being of the people.

Azmin also backed the Prime Minister’s view that the Barisan Nasional’s BR1M initiative should be discontinued as it has elements of corruption to get the support of the people.